On Friday 4th January 2013 The Church of England announced that it would allow gay men in civil partnerships to rise to the level of Bishop, provided they promise to remain abstinent. This is a further compromise by the church on this deeply controversial subject. It also looks set to prolong and widen the divisions between the hierarchy and the laity.
The Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement (LGCM) welcomed the news but not without reservations. The Rev. Sharon Ferguson, Chief Executive of LGCM said, ‘LGBT clergy and laypersons already make a major contribution to the Church of England, but have faced discrimination even if they make considerable sacrifices to abide by church policy on sexuality. This has undermined the church’s credibility in sharing the good news of God’s love for all. Removing the ban on bishops in civil partnerships is a positive measure but we must now see it come to fruition.’